Identity theft

Identity theft. It's a plague. Possibly the fastest growing non-violent crime in the U.S,

it can also be hard to detect. It can be weeks, months, even years for the victims to become aware that there identity has been stolen.

Identity theft. It's a plague. Possibly the fastest growing non-violent crime in the U.S, it can also be hard to detect. It can be weeks, months, even years for the victims to become aware that there identity has been stolen. Indeed, the FDC assess that a stolen identity is used 30 times, on the average, before the victim becomes aware.

And it is so goddamn easy. It's no longer clickbait traps on gambling sites and the like demanding your credit card details. Anyone with a social security number can be a target. Up to 10 percent of U.S citizens become victims of identity fraud – annually. Nor is getting burned once enough to immunize you from further depredations – 21% of these people are repeat victims.

It has never been more important to take computer security seriously. Making time to monitor credit is no longer an optional add-on – it's a prerequisite for any business which wishes to remain solvent.

Nor is there any room for despair. Yes, scams are getting more sophisticated. But so are the countermeasures. And even the most sophisticated scam can be defeated by the least sophisticated countermeasure of all – diligence, vigilance and thoroughness. Is the investment of time worth it? Well, let us consider what types of identity theft are most common – and you can weigh for yourself whether the time and money required to deploy appropriate countermeasures balance out the harm they prevent.

Driver's ID theft. What can a criminal do with a driver ID? Well, they can use it to apply for loans, open bank accounts and checking accounts; buy all sorts of expensive stuff (cars, boats, jewelry – even homes!), charging the costs to you… and also find out where you live.

Social security ID theft. Social security IDs reap the perps all of the benefits of driver's license ID theft – but also social security benefits. You know, the benefits you slaved away for decades to get: HUD, welfare, medical care, dental care…

Medical ID theft Ever have the misfortune of visiting a hospital for an absolutely necessary medical procedure and then get hit with a colossal bill with inexplicable items? Well, how would you like to receive an even more inflated same bill…. But with none of the aforementioned benefits? No? didn’t think so. Read on, then.

For those who are business owners, financial ID theft looms most large. A hacker who infiltrates your organization's systems can wreak havoc on your business within short order, ruining not only your bank account, but also decade-long relationships with clients and suppliers.

Here's the good news: countermeasures exist. They work. And there is nothing stopping you from adopting them in your own business.